Did you attend any Setsubun (the day before the New Year's Day on the luna calender) ceremonies? As for me, I enjoyed Mamemaki (bean throwing) with my family!
Today's topic is Kesobumi-uri (懸想文, originally means a love letter. Here it means a good luck charm of love. 売り, to sell something) at Suga shrine in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto. If you are seeking your soulmate, visiting this shrine in this season is a must!
Only during the Setsubun period, mysterious looking men in Heian period costumes with Eboshi hats can be found at this shrine. Their faces are half-masked with a white scarf. They are called Kesobumi-uri and endow you love talismans.
The origin of this interesting custom dates back to the Heian period. There were some noblemen from lower class who ghostwrote and delivered love letters. The white masks were the remains of the practice of hiding their faces.
If you purchase this precious Kesobumi, please put it in your closet discreetly. They say you will find the soulmate of your life. Why don't you visit Suga shrine in YUMEYAKATA's KIMONO and give it a shot! Akane Kibune
Open: all year round
Admission: free
Access:
5 mins. on foot from Kumano Jinja, Kyoto City bus
MAP: